waco
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈweɪkoʊ// wa·co
n. a city in Texas, USA, that is famous for a violent event in 1993 involving a religious group and the government. People often mention it when talking about cults or government standoffs.
n. a city in central Texas, primarily known in international discourse for the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound. Frequently used as a metonym for the conflict between religious fringe groups and federal law enforcement.
We drove through Waco on our way to Austin.
The documentary explores the events in Waco and their impact on American militia movements.
Usage
Usually functions as a proper noun; when used as a common noun, it is often a derogatory slang term for a 'whacko' or crazy person, though the spellings differ.